12 of the best festivals in the UK

Here’s the thing about UK festivals: they’re not just about live music – they’re the best weekends of your year. Full stop.

Where else do you dance in a downpour, queue for chips at 2am, and sing with 10,000 strangers like you’ve known each other forever? Exactly.

Whether you’re into sparkly outfits and big-stage pop, stomping through a forest to thumping techno, or chilling by the river with a jazz band and a pint – summer 2025 has something lined up for you.

So grab your mates, book your annual leave, and scroll on for our top picks of this year’s UK festival scene.

What’s on the line-up for summer 2025?

Live music. Big crowds. Long weekends that get a bit out of hand (in the best way).

Festival season 2025 is looking absolutely stacked with new music – whether you’re into sweaty warehouse sets, sunny singalongs or something a bit more jazzy.

We’ve rounded up the best of the bunch: who’s playing, where it’s all going down, and what kind of vibe to expect. Scroll on, find your weekend, and get planning.

Junction 2 Festival

July 25–27, 2025 | Boston Manor Park | London

Junction 2 Festival 2025

25.–27. juli • Boston Manor Park, GB

If you’re into proper no-messing-about techno – Junction 2 is the one. Deep in the trees at Boston Manor Park, it’s where basslines rumble before you even reach the gates.

Expect serious names like Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer and Nina Kraviz, plus fresh talent you’ll be bragging about discovering early. No influencers. No novelty hats. Just a three-day masterclass in sound.

DnB Allstars Festival

September 14, 2025 | Gunnersbury Park | London

DnB Allstars Festival 2025

søn. 14. sep., 11:00 • Gunnersbury Park, GB

Bass lovers, assemble. DnB Allstars is back with a one-day explosion of sound – seven stages, 100+ artists, and zero chill.

Expect heavy-hitters like Andy C, Bou, Metrik and Bladerunner to go full throttle from the jump. It’s sweaty, loud and absolutely glorious. Get ready to skank 'til your legs give up.

Boomtown Chapter Four: Power of Now

August 6–10, 2025 | Matterley Estate | Hampshire

Boomtown 2025

6.–10. aug. • Matterley Estate, GB

There’s festivals, and then there’s Boomtown – a fully immersive, madcap, build-an-entire-city-from-scratch type of experience.

The 2025 edition (aka “Power of Now”) features unforgettable performances from 600+ artists across 50+ venues. Sean Paul, Honey Dijon, the Sex Pistols and Maribou State are all on board – but the real magic’s in the hidden corners, wild costumes, and storylines that unfold around you. It’s weird. It’s brilliant. It’s Boomtown.

Leeds Festival

August 21–24, 2025 | Bramham Park | Leeds

Leeds Festival 2025

21.–24. aug. • Leeds Festival , GB

The stuff of legends. Leeds Fest is where memories are made. Sometimes blurry ones, but still.

This year, you’ve got Travis Scott, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon and Chappell Roan headlining, with a packed schedule of indie, rock, pop and dance across the weekend. Just add tents, mates, and a bit of Yorkshire grit.

Reading Festival

August 21–24, 2025 | Richfield Avenue | Reading

Reading Festival 2025

20.–24. aug. • Richfield Avenue, GB

Leeds’ twin down south – same vibe, same lineup, same beautiful chaos.

Whether you’re front left for Travis Scott, belting out Hozier in the rain, or discovering a new band by accident at 2pm on a Sunday – Reading delivers. Every. Single. Time.

All Points East

August 15–24, 2025 | Victoria Park | London

All Points East

15.–24. aug. • Victoria Park, GB

Two weekends of pure vibes. All Points East takes over Victoria Park with a carefully curated mix of legends and left-field gems.

This year: Chase & Status, Raye, The Maccabees, Shy FX, Overmono, and Nia Archives. If you want a festival you can Uber home from – but still lose your mind to a live set – this is it.

Camp Bestival

July 31–August 3, 2025 | Lulworth Castle | Dorset

Camp Bestival Dorset

31. juli–3. aug. • Lulworth Castle, GB

The family one that still goes off. Camp Bestival mixes kids’ zones and glitter cannons with lineups adults will actually want to dance to.

You’ve got Sir Tom Jones, Basement Jaxx and Sugababes headlining – plus circus acts, wellness workshops, and plenty of parent-friendly food stalls. It’s wholesome chaos in the best way.

And yes, there's loads of glitter.

Missed it? Set a ticket alert for 2026 or 2027!

Wild Wood Festival

June 19–21, 2026 | Horseheath Racecourse | Cambridgeshire

Small festival. Big soul. Wild Wood 2026 is back with another weekend of sun-drenched grooves, glittery outfits and woodland magic.

If you like your house deep, your disco funky, and your dancefloors surrounded by trees – this one’s for you. Expect another gorgeous lineup (previous years brought us Hunee, Midland and Crazy P) and that signature close-knit energy you don’t get at the big-name fests.

It’s feel-good music with feel-good people. Pack something sparkly and leave your phone in your tent.

Parklife Festival

June 20–21, 2026 | Heaton Park | Manchester

Parklife kicks off summer 2026 with two days of pure mayhem in the heart of Manchester. Big names, booming basslines and a crowd that really came to party.

Last year saw 50 Cent, Peggy Gou and Charli XCX tear up the stage – so expect more huge names across hip hop, house, and everything in between. The visuals always go hard, the energy’s next level, and the vibes? Immaculate.

Book the Monday off work. You’ll need it.

Wireless Festival

Dates TBA | Finsbury Park | London

Wireless 2026 is already shaping up to go hard. No official lineup just yet, but if history’s anything to go by, expect huge hip hop, trap and R&B names lighting up Finsbury Park.

2025 marked Wireless' 20th anniversary, with Drake doing a three-day headline run. If 2026 brings even half that energy, you're in for a legendary weekend.

Henley Festival

July 8–12, 2026 | Henley-on-Thames | Oxfordshire

Fancy another round of black-tie glam, sunset orchestras, and open-air performances by the river? Henley Festival 2026 is on the horizon.

Last year’s lineup brought Diana Ross, McFly, and Jamie Cullum – and while this year’s artists are still under wraps, you can expect more big names and posh eats under the stars.

Great for a night out with your parents… or just to channel your inner bougie self.

Glastonbury Festival

June 23–28, 2027 | Worthy Farm | Somerset

No Glasto in 2026 – Worthy Farm’s having a lie down.

Every few years, Glastonbury takes a “fallow year” to let the land recover, the cows reclaim the fields, and everyone involved catch their breath. 2026 is one of those years – which means no Pyramid Stage sunsets, no secret sets, no post-festival comedown (well… maybe just a little one).

But don’t worry – it’ll be back in 2027, bigger and bolder than ever. In the meantime, it’s the perfect excuse to try something new. There’s a whole summer of amazing festivals waiting for you – just maybe leave the wellies at home this time.

FAQs about festivals in the UK

What are the main UK festivals in 2025?

Some of the top music events include Junction 2 Festival, Noisily Festival, Henley Festival, DnB Allstars Festival, Wild Wood Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue, Leeds Festival at Bramham Park, Wilderness at Cornbury Park, Love Supreme at Glynde Place in East Sussex, and events in Wimborne St Giles. These music festivals cover a wide range of genres including pop, rock, folk, and hip hop, with lineups featuring major headliners and diverse acts.

Which festival should I go to in the UK?

It depends on your taste! For underground beats, head to Junction 2. If you want elegance and live orchestras, try Henley. For iconic experiences, consider the Isle of Wight Festival on the Isle of Wight, Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue, Leeds Festival at Bramham Park, Wilderness at Cornbury Park, Love Supreme at Glynde Place in East Sussex, or a family-friendly retreat in Wimborne St Giles.

What is the largest festival celebrated in the UK?

Glastonbury is widely considered the UK’s largest and most iconic festival, drawing over 200,000 people annually. Live Nation is another major organiser behind many of the country’s biggest music festivals.

When should I buy festival tickets for 2025?

Now! Most festival tickets go on sale 6–12 months in advance, and early birds often sell out. Look out for festival offers and check official festival dates, especially for August, to plan ahead and secure the best deals.

Are there any family friendly festivals in the UK?

Yes - Henley Festival, Camp Bestival, and Latitude are known for their family-friendly activities and welcoming vibe for all ages. Festival goers with families can enjoy a range of experiences designed for children and adults alike, ensuring there are no age restrictions.

What should I bring to a UK music festival?

Essentials include your ticket, valid ID (check age restrictions), weather-proof gear, refillable water bottles, and comfy clothes for dancing the weekend away. Many music festivals take place over a full weekend, so pack accordingly.

Are there food options at festivals?

Absolutely. Expect street food, global cuisines, and even gourmet dining at events like Henley or Noisily. Most also include food stalls with vegan and gluten-free options.

What are the best festivals for electronic music in the UK?

Junction 2, Noisily, and Wild Wood lead the way for electronic music lovers, offering curated DJ sets, immersive visuals, and unique settings. Notable headliners and performers at UK music festivals include David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Becky Hill, Basement Jaxx, Sam Fender, Justin Timberlake, Snow Patrol, and Wet Leg, ensuring a world-class lineup for fans of electronic and contemporary music.

Where can I sell or buy tickets safely?

Use platforms like TicketSwap to buy or resell verified festival tickets without the stress of scams or mark-ups.

Make 2025 your ultimate festival year

From muddy fields to forest dancefloors, UK festivals in 2025 are bringing the heat – with huge lineups, unforgettable sets, and vibes for every kind of music lover.

Whether you're after headline acts, fresh new sounds, or just a weekend of dancing with your mates, there’s a festival with your name on it.

Grab your 2025 festival tickets early, pack the glitter (and a poncho, just in case), and get ready for an unreal summer across the UK.